Portable generators are devices that can be used to power things like homes, lights, and machinery. They are instrumental in an emergency or natural disaster because they can provide reliable power without requiring costly repairs or wiring. Here are seven facts about portable generators that you should know to help you make an informed decision about what type is right for your home.
What is a portable generator?
A portable generator is a smaller, more portable version of an electric power generator. It is ideal for camping trips, construction sites, sporting events, and emergencies when the power goes out.
Types of portable generators
There are different portable generators, but they all serve the same purpose--producing power when there is no other way to do so. The two most common types are gas-powered and electric, and they both make enough power to run small appliances like televisions or alarm clocks.
Uses for a portable generator
Portable generators are a common sight in power outages. They're a quick and easy way to get the power back on. Typically, you'll plug your generator into a wall outlet or an extension cord that's connected to a temporary power source. Portable generators also have a variety of other uses, such as powering your home during an outage caused by heavy snow or other natural disasters - the same as if the power grid failed.
Tips for choosing a portable generator
Portable generators are a wonderful thing. They can provide an emergency power source for you to use when the power goes out or just when you need extra energy for something. Portable generators are not all the same, though, so consider some things before you buy one. Here are seven facts about portable generators that none of us should forget.
1) The right size for your home depends on how much power it needs and how long it'll be down before service is restored. A small generator with only a few needs, like home lights or a refrigerator, can run off its small internal battery for longer than a large Genset that needs to be plugged into an outside power source, like an outlet on your home.
2) If you're not sure what size generator is right for you, talk with the power company or UPS servicing your area. The generators they use are custom-sized and come in several different sizes and uses to meet customers' demands in each region. With a phone call, they can provide you with a recommendation on how much power you'll need and which type of generator will be best for your situation.
3) The most common portable generator is gasoline-powered and provides enough power for a household to remain in overdrive for about four hours while someone is out of town. This type produces between 1500 watts and 4000 watts depending on the model and year it was manufactured.
4) Many generators on the market today are gasoline and diesel-powered, and they lack the features you'd expect from a reliable, high-quality generator. Some "portable" generators have two smaller intake fans that only work when the engine is running instead of having a single large motor giving you dependable power. This means that as soon as you turn off your engine, those fans stop moving. We highly recommend that you only choose either electric or fuel-free (gasoline and diesel) models for producing reliable power.
5) If your home has any electronics on it, we recommend using a generator with an inverter (a computer-type device that decides what type of energy source to use).
6) As you make your way up this list, start thinking about how much power you want to generate. A primary 100-watt generator can be powered up with an extension cord and plugged into an outlet - it's not something that can run 24 hours but is great for emergencies or power outages that last for only a few hours. As the number goes up, so will the time that you can run your generator.
7) Generators are usually measured in watts. Most generators produce between 1600 to 8000 watts of power depending on the size of your needs and how much money you're willing to spend. You can usually find these figures on the product description or specifications page on the website of whichever brand you're interested in running down.
If you're not sure how much power you need to run your home, we recommend talking to a professional. Some devices will help you make a rough estimate of how much energy you'll require based on your ability to run certain appliances and the length of time they'll be down. An electrician or engineer can consider all of these factors and provide a number for you instead of having you guess from the start.